Vadim Repin

REPIN LUGANSKY Violin Sonatas 4778794

. . . Repin and Nikolai Lugansky demonstrate in this trio of sonatas not only their love for the music but also their stylistic and emotional insight, their broad spectrum of colour and the way that they work so closely and instinctively together . . . Repin's and Lugansky's subtlety of expression is a major factor in making this so outstanding, so ravishing and so spine-tingling. Both musicians give of their utmost and, when the musicians in question are Repin and Lugansky, that makes for something exceptional.

This is one of the finest performances I have ever heard of the Janáček, played with breathtaking conviction and an utterly persuasive grasp of Janáček's idiom . . . Their new disc is worth getting for this performance of the Janáček alone, but the rest is every bit as impressive.

Record Review /
International Record Review (London) / 01. December 2010

From the first notes of Janácek's Violin Sonata it's clear that this is going to be a recital of exceptional quality. The searing intensity with which Vadim Repin launches into the angular opening phrase is a thrilling sign of things to come. The whole performance is passionately projected by both Repin and Nikolai Lugansky and there's also a superb grasp of Janáček's rugged lyricism: the propulsive cells that make up much of the work's musical argument are driven along with rhythmic energy that is combined with a magnificent sense of musical line . . . without ever resorting to exaggeration, Repin and Lugansky produce playing that is gripping and extremely expressive . . . it is hard to imagine a more convincing account [of the Grieg Sonata] than the one given here by Repin and Lugansky. While the fiery intensity of their playing in the more animated music is remarkable, so too is their ability to project the calmer, unforced singing lines' quiet fervour. These same qualities are heard to memorable effect in the Franck Sonata . . . this is an outstanding release.

Record Review /
Nigel Simeone,
International Record Review (London) / 01. December 2010

The obvious empathy that exists between these two artists, coupled with the invaluable experience garnered from playing together over many years, brings enormous dividends to this warmly recorded programme . . . Repin and Lugansky overcome any hint of routine, delivering a relatively straightforward account that is sparing in its use of rubato and avoids any excessive indulgence. I particularly admire the purity with which they approach the first movement and the almost childlike simplicity found in the phrasing of the opening melody of the Allegretto poco mosso, here delivered at an almost ideal tempo. These qualities prepare one far more effectively for the searing intensity that is to follow both in the passionate second movement and in the climaxes of the Finale . . . Repin and Lugansky deliver an almost expressionist account of the Janácek exploiting every nervous tick in the music to thenth degree but without ever sacrificing precision and unanimity of ensemble . . . [Grieg]: Repin and Lugansky bring freshness to the outer movements whilst investing the central movement with great affection. Superb.

[A] well-honed disc . . . [Janácek]: Repin and Lugansky address the work with ardor and affection resonates from the first bars . . . [Grieg]: exquisite colors from pianist Lugansky . . . [The outpouring of melody] accosts us with such lush vitality -- and in brilliant sound courtesy of engineer Martin Litauer -- that we must succumb to the passion of the moment . . . The level of technical and emotional commitment for these expressive works has never been in doubt.

Record Review /
Gary Lemco,
Audiophile Audition / 15. February 2011

Repin and Lugansky make a formidable duo, finely matched in tone and both true virtuosos . . . it's impossible not to respond to this vital, wholehearted playing.